The Albion Board of Education moved quickly through a light agenda during their early morning meeting on August 4, approving the 2025 tax warrant and finalizing preparations for the upcoming school year, including a strict new policy on student cell phone use. Board President Mrs. Weller called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The first order of business was the administration of the Oath of Office to Mr. David Sidari, who joins the board as an interim member, and Mr. Christopher Kinter. **Tax Levy Set for 2025** The most significant financial action of the evening was the approval of the 2025 Tax Warrant. Following a recommendation by Superintendent Mickey Edwards and a motion by Mr. John Kast, the Board authorized the collection of $8,449,039 in school taxes. This levy will be collected across nine towns: Albion, Barre, Carlton, Gaines, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway, and Elba. The tax rate varies by town based on assessed value. For example, the Town of Albion will see a school tax rate of $10.43 per $1,000 of assessed value, while Murray sits at the highest rate of $16.24 per $1,000. Tax Collector Kimberly DeFrank is commanded to collect these taxes within 30 days of the notice roll. The resolution passed with a 7-0 roll call vote. Mrs. Trellis Pore and Mr. David Sidari were absent from the vote. **Preparing for the "Bell-to-Bell" Phone Ban** With the first day of school for students set for September 3, Superintendent Edwards and building principals Mrs. Ashbery (High School) and Mr. Pritchard (Middle School) presented the finalized plan for the state-mandated cell phone ban. At a July meeting, the Board adopted a policy regarding internet-enabled devices. On Monday, administrators clarified that this ban extends to **all** cell phones, including older "flip phone" models that do not connect to the internet. "The legislation is clear regarding the bell-to-bell cell phone ban during the school day," administrators noted in the meeting minutes. A "Cell Phone Committee" comprised of stakeholders, including student representatives, met on July 21 to develop a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. This FAQ is being distributed to families this week to address concerns before the school year begins. Key points clarified in the new policy include: * **Prohibition:** All personal cell phones are banned from the start of the school day until the end. * **Communication:** Classroom phones and office phones will remain available for students to contact parents. * **Medical Needs:** Students with documented medical needs may work with administration on a case-by-case plan. The district will hold a Back to School Night on September 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., where the FAQ will be shared again with parents. **New Hires and Personnel** The Board approved several key appointments for the 2025-2026 school year: * **Nicole Mauro** was appointed as the Community School Public Relations Coordinator. She will start on August 18 with a provisional appointment and a salary of $60,000. * **Matthew Confer** was appointed as an Instrumental Teacher at the High School. He enters a probationary period with a certification in Music K-12. * **Dawn Voorhees** was appointed as a Monitor at the Middle School, starting September 2 at a rate of $16.00 per hour. The Board also approved extra-curricular appointments, including Dana Martin for the High School Japanese Club and Daniel Ward as a volunteer Modified Football Coach, pending the completion of coaching requirements. **Other Business** In other business, the Board: * Approved **Policy 5685**, which establishes maximum temperature standards for school buildings and indoor facilities. * Approved the renewal of the "2021-2022 Snow Removal and Ice Control" bid. * Adopted the confidential Building-Level Emergency Response Plans. * Approved the 2026 Close Up trip to Washington, D.C., scheduled for March 1-6, 2026. * Accepted donations of coats, clothing, and hygiene products for the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School. The next Regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8, at 7:00 p.m.